A Zoning Decision in Smithfield With One Big Asterisk, Five Farmers Markets and Farm Stands Worth the Drive, and the Weekend Ahead

🏗️ SMITHFIELD DRAWS A NEW LINE — BUT NOT AROUND THE PROJECT EVERYONE'S FIGHTING

Yesterday we told you about Wednesday night's Smithfield Township supervisors' hearing. We only caught the tail end and didn't have a vote count. We do now.

The Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 12 to approve Ordinance No. 268, rewriting the township's data center zoning rules after a public hearing at J.T. Lambert Intermediate School. Chairman Jacob Pride said data centers are no longer by-right in the industrial zone or conditional-use in the economic development zone — any future proposal now needs conditional-use approval in a new heavy industrial zone near the old paper mill by Delaware Water Gap, capped at 50,000 square feet. The ordinance also adds larger setbacks, bars clearcutting, and requires an energy usage plan, utility certifications, a sound assessment, a community impact statement, and a bonding requirement.

Solicitor Ronold Karasek warned the ordinance could invite a legal challenge — a court could see it as “exclusionary zoning,” which can be unconstitutional in Pennsylvania. I had to look that one up. Exclusionary zoning is when a local government uses its zoning powers not just to organize land use, but to effectively block a particular type of development, group of residents, or use from the municipality altogether — often under the guise of a legitimate zoning purpose.

Residents pushed for even more: a “green amendment” for deeper environmental review, a list of non-negotiables on noise and water standards, and setbacks that scale with a project's size instead of treating a five-megawatt facility like a hyperscale campus. Supervisor Michael Albert said he wants to add noise, fire safety, and buffer provisions soon, but wanted this version to pass first.

Here's an important note. WNEP reports the Smithfield Gateway project on Route 209 is not subject to the zoning changes. The site was already zoned for economic development, and because its application predates the zoning change, Pride says the case law favors the developer. The township also got a revised plan this week: the developer now wants to consolidate the two data centers into one. No hearing date yet.

🥕 FIVE BEST OF MONROE: FARMERS MARKETS AND FARM STANDS

It's peak season for local produce, so we went looking for the best places to source your weekly goods. We checked Google ratings to rank the top five markets in the county. One of our favorites didn't quite make the top five cut on raw ratings alone, so — hey, I'm the editor — we added a special bonus stop to pair with your trip.

A quick note before you head out: hours and availability can shift with the season and the weather, so it's always a good idea to check ahead before making the drive.

1. Klingel's Farm & Produce Stand — Saylorsburg — 4.8 Stars. Family-run since 1998, it often has produce that was in the field just hours earlier. Reviewers consistently call out the sweet corn and the free-range eggs, and the farm's own beef and pork give it more depth than a typical seasonal stand. It's also become a fall destination thanks to the Mazezilla corn maze, but don't sleep on it in August: this is the stand for tomatoes, peppers, and melons right now.

2. Hanna's Farm Market — Pocono Lake — 4.7 Stars. A family-owned market that's built a loyal following in the lake region since 2015. Reviewers rave about the baked goods in particular — the pies and fresh bread come up again and again — alongside a rotating produce selection, local honey and soaps, and specialty olive oils for anyone stocking up beyond the basics.

3. Monroe Farmers Market — Stroudsburg — 4.6 Stars. A true community staple for nearly 50 years (it's almost as old as I am!), this producer-only market on Courthouse Square is the gold standard for buying directly from local growers and artisans. Regulars point to Race Farm's produce stand right in front of the courthouse and the Honeycrisp apples later in the season as can't-miss stops, alongside a rotating lineup of local bread and pasta sauce vendors.

4. Pocono Farmers Market — Blakeslee — 4.6 Stars. With strong ties to the local Amish community, this market blends produce with a genuine general-store feel — think fresh fruits and vegetables alongside BBQ, homemade ice cream, baked goods, and even furniture. Reviewers say it's worth the trip for the pretzel sandwiches alone, but bring cash — cards aren't accepted.

5. Pocono Farm Stand & Nursery — Tannersville — 4.5 Stars. A versatile stop that pairs fresh produce with a full nursery operation, so you can grab dinner ingredients and something for the garden in the same trip. The bakery is the sleeper hit here — reviewers specifically call out the fruit pies — and it's open seven days a week.

Editor's Addition: Stroudsburg Old Time Farmers Market — Ann Street, Stroudsburg — 4.5 Stars. If you're already downtown for the Monroe Farmers Market, it is well worth adding a stop here. It offers a classic, traditional market feel that many locals appreciate for its authentic variety and focus on seasonal staples like local honey, mushrooms, and baked goods.

A Sad Farewell: Pocono Organics. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Pocono Organics in Long Pond is winding down its operations, with a final closing date of September 7. Officials say they are winding down operations of their farm, market, and cafe. For nearly nine years, this regenerative organic farm has served as a beacon for healthy food, education, and community gathering. While we are sad to see this unique hub for sustainable agriculture and its wonderful cafe close its doors, we encourage you to pay them a final visit before September 7 to support their hardworking team and enjoy their space one last time.

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🎪 GET OUT: THE WEEKEND ITINERARY

Brix Brewhouse (Brodheadsville) . A full weekend of live music at the old West End firehouse-turned-brewery: Identity Crisis plays Friday, the Sam Houseal Band and Yoga on Tap both hit Saturday, and Joey Lannigan closes it out Sunday.

ShawneeCraft Brewing Company Rhythm and Brews (Shawnee on Delaware) . Free, family-friendly live music runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Beer Garden or Tap Room, weather permitting.

Barley Creek Brewing Company (Tannersville) . Bingo Tunes kicks off at the Taproom Saturday, and Pint Size Park has live music both Saturday and Sunday.

Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic (Camelback Resort, Tannersville) . The illusionist's run continues through Aug. 29 in the Valley View Room, a solid indoor option if Sunday's rain chances have you rethinking outdoor plans.

Gazebo Concerts (Presbyterian Church of the Mountain, Delaware Water Gap). The Sunday concert series continues, weather permitting.

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